UCDSB Recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Orange Shirts and Actions

Brockville – The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) provides students with opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and history and to take meaningful actions towards reconciliation throughout the year by integrating Indigenous education into regular classroom learning.

On September 30, all schools in the UCDSB will recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. All staff and students have been encouraged to wear orange shirts and will take part in activities that commemorate the tragic residential school experience, honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and reaffirm commitments to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

UCDSB schools have been provided with learning resources and classroom activities leading up to recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On September 30, all classes will have opportunities to take part in virtual presentations with Indigenous author and speaker Monique Gray Smith. Her focus is on teaching that “Love is Medicine.”

Here are some of the other activities that UCDSB schools are doing to expand their learning of Indigenous culture and the importance of reconciliation on September 30 and the days leading up to it.

• Students at South Grenville District High School will be participating in school-wide learning through an art project that will see every student create colourful feather art pieces. At the end of the day, the feathers will be displayed together in the school.
• Students at Oxford-on-Rideau Public School have painted an orange pathway with white feathers in the front entry of the school and will take part in classroom activities.
• Almonte District High School is welcoming guests throughout the day, and several students will be participating in an event called Reconciliation Through Art at the Mississippi Textile Museum in Almonte to celebrate and support Indigenous artists while building relationships in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.
• Students in the Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Voices, at Seaway District High School are exploring the principles of Truth and Reconciliation by engaging with the Truth in Truth and Reconciliation board game, developed by James Darin Corbiere (Anishinaabe, Waabi Makoohns, Bear Clan) and Medicine Wheel Publishing. Through this interactive experience, they are learning about Indigenous history, the impact of residential schools, and the ongoing efforts towards healing and reconciliation in Canada.
• Students at Bridgewood Public School will be participating in the community event for Truth and Reconciliation Day hosted in Cornwall.
• Longue Sault Public School is planning a school-wide walk through a path in their neighbourhood and will be placing handprints with messages along the way.

“We are committed to ensuring UCDSB students have a true understanding of Indigenous history and culture and ensure there are opportunities throughout the year to demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation,” says Principal of Indigenous Education Kelty Grant. “On September 30, we want to reflect on the residential school experience that those in our community have had, the residual impact, and work towards ensuring students are learning what Truth and Reconciliation means. We want to understand the past, but also celebrate the resilience and brilliance of Indigenous people.”

“September 30 is about more than just wearing an orange shirt. It’s about reflecting on past actions and moving forward towards reconciliation,” adds UCDSB Chair Jamie Schoular. “Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to join together and publicly show support for peers, colleagues and their families who have been impacted by residential schooling.”